ONTARIO, Calif. -- April 30, 2003 -- Bluefield Associates, Inc. has become a member of Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD). ICMAD is an organization that represents, educates and fosters the growth and profitability of entrepreneurial companies in the cosmetic and personal care industries worldwide. It also protects, preserves, and promotes the principles of initiative and innovation in the cosmetics industry.

ICMAD has grown continuously over the last 29 years. They provide their 750 member companies with the tools they need to succeed. The majority of ICMAD members are manufacturers and distributors, but they have a wide range of companies whose livelihood is dependent on the cosmetic industry. Although many of their member companies begin life as small or medium-sized enterprises, their collective sales volume is impressive.

ICMAD members can be found in 37 states and 11 foreign countries, but most are concentrated in a few states such as Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California, which has the most members. Bluefield Associates, Inc. is one of the many members that is based in California. It is the manufacturer of the skin care system Clear Essence Cosmetics®, which markets a niche line of skin care products for men and women of color - Asians, Hispanics, and Blacks. Clear Essence® offers three product lines, the anti-aging line, the botanical line, and the men's line.

Bluefield Associates, Inc. has been active in promoting "Made in USA" products through various international trade shows and promotions by the United States Department of Commerce. It was one of the few companies in California that was privileged to be invited to several functions of the NAFTA Support Group at the White House, which was hosted by the former President of the United States, Mr. Bill Clinton in October 1993.

Bluefield Associates, Inc. was also one of the minority-owned businesses invited to participate in the South-African Trade Delegation led by the late Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Ron Brown. In November 1994, The Diversity Awards Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Bluefield Associates, Inc. by the Multi-Cultural Motion Picture Association, partially due to the success of Clear Essence® skin care products in the international market.

As a member of ICMAD, Bluefield Associates, Inc. will have the opportunity to use their export resources. One of the resources includes, Going Global, a "How-To" guide of the resources available and the importance of overseas trade shows. Another is "A Guide to European Cosmetic Regulations," an ICMAD/ABA publication intended to assist U.S. companies in understanding and complying with EU regulations.

Bluefield Associate, Inc. is looking to ICMAD to strengthen the voice of their company with the FDA, Congress, state legislature, the media, and consumer groups. ICMAD provides a forum and network for the exchange of ideas, problems, and opportunities between members. It also ensures that its members comply with regulations by instituting a Code of Ethics for members.